“Thank you,” Jamie said appreciatively as he slathered the bread and took a bite. “Perfect.”
Mary gestured to the kitchen door. “You two need to get out of my kitchen.”
Sophie pointed at Mary. “You get to escape—for the moment. But we will continue this conversation very soon, Mary.”
“Shoo.”
Sophie giggled as she grabbed Jamie’s hand and led him from the kitchen. Jamie caught her around the waist and pulled her close. “What was that all about?”
“I’ll tell you later.” She pulled him into the library. “Right now, I want to hear all about your day. How’s it been?”
Jamie closed the door and then pulled Sophie to the window bench. “Better now.”
“Charmer.”
“Andrew got a hold of Clayton.”
Sophie raised an eyebrow. “And?”
“He arrives tomorrow.”
Sophie sunk deeper into the cushions. “Wow. That was fast.”
Jamie linked his fingers with hers. “I know, right? Thank God for the railroad.”
“How’s Samson?”
Jamie chuckled. “He’s ornery. He did let me take him out of his stall this morning and check his wound. It’s almost completely healed.”
Sophie let out a sigh of relief. “Good. I really miss him.”
“I know, baby. Not long.”
“Can I see him tonight? After dinner? If I wear all black, a sniper won’t be able to find me in the dark.”
Jamie frowned. “Unless he has infrared.”
Her body sagged. “I didn’t think of that.”
“But if you want to give it a try, we can.”
“Seriously?”
Jamie sighed. “Yes, sweetheart. I doubt they’ll shoot randomly, so I think the cover of night will be safe enough.”
Sophie leaned against him and laid her head on his shoulder. “Thank you.”
Jamie held her for several minutes and then squeezed her hand. “I can’t stay, Soph. I need to get back.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I wish I had a television or something.”
“I know what you mean.” He kissed her cheek. “But, I’ll see you in just a few hours, and dinner will come sooner than you think.” Sophie’s response sounded much like a snort, and Jamie chuckled. “Why don’t you rest for a little while? You seem tired.”
Sophie nodded and climbed from his lap. “I am, actually.”
Jamie stood and cupped her cheek. “Are you sick?”
“A little nauseous.”
“That’s two days in a row. You should talk to Michael.”
Sophie shook her head. “No, I’m just tired. I’ll sleep, and I’m sure I’ll be fine by dinner.”
“Okay. If you’re sure.”
“I am. Come on, I’ll walk you out.”
* * *
Sophie felt soft lips on her cheek, and her husband’s hypnotic voice whispering in her ear. “Baby, wake up.” Sophie swam through the clouds, and forced her eyes open. “Hi.”
“Are you okay?”
“Going to be sick.” Sophie jumped out of bed, reaching the bowl on her bureau just in time.
Jamie handed her a glass of water and helped her back to the bed. “What’s going on?”
“I’m just tired.” Sophie sipped her water. “It’s passed. See? I’m fine.”
“Are you saying that just so you can get out of the house and see your pet?”
Sophie smiled. “Yes.”
Jamie groaned.
“I’m kidding, sweetheart. I feel much better.” Sophie stood and gathered up the gown she had been wearing earlier. “Now, help me with my clothes.”
Sophie knew Jamie watched her closely as he tightened her corset and then helped her button her dress. She took several deep breaths in an effort to control another wave of nausea and then forced a smile when Jamie turned her to face him.
He cupped her face. “You look green.”
“I’m fine.”
Jamie kissed her forehead, took her hand, and led her toward the dining room. “If you feel sick, Kermit, you tell me right away.”
“You’re funny.” Sophie was grateful dinner passed quickly and that she was able to eat something with no further bouts of nausea. After dinner, Jamie excused them so that he could take her to see Samson, and Andrew decided to join them. Sophie could tell Jamie was relieved to have someone else to keep guard as they made their way out to the stables.
Sophie kept her head down as the men flanked her and led her into the barn. Once inside, Andrew closed the doors and Sophie took a few minutes to check on Samson. He whinnied for her as she approached his stall and stuck his head out for some attention. “Hi, boy. Would you like to come out and play for a little while? I can’t ride you today but I will tomorrow.”
“Careful, baby.”
“I’ll just bring him out here, at least he can walk the length.” Opening Samson’s stall, Sophie realized she’d forgotten to grab his halter, so she stepped back from the opening to grab one a few stalls down. Samson followed her out, stopping when she stopped, and walking when she did. Rather than putting the halter on him, she walked the length of the barn, Samson following behind her like a dutiful puppy.
Andrew laughed. “I cannot believe what you have done to that horse. You’ve ruined him for anyone else.”
“I didn’t mean to! Do you think Michael will be mad?” Sophie asked a little concerned.
“Honestly, Michael felt he’d served his time with the injury he received in battle and has no intention of putting him back into any battles. He is officially retired as an army horse.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes.” Andrew sighed. “I may have ruined his little surprise for you. When he tells you, act like you didn’t know, all right?”
“I will.”
Samson nudged Sophie’s shoulder for more attention, so she leaned back into him, patting his neck. Jamie moved to his side. “I need to check him.”
“Can I do it?” Sophie stood up and stepped under his neck.
“Yes, as long as he stands still.”
Sophie turned and stroked Samson’s nose. “Do not kick me. Do not even flick your tail or Jamie will think you might hurt me.” Samson’s ears followed her movements and then when she moved to his back leg, he turned his head to watch her. Sophie felt for heat and then picked up his back hoof and checked his range of motion. Samson stood next to her, perfectly still the entire time. “He looks great.” She ran her palm across his side as she moved back to his shoulder. “He’s probably ready to ride.”
“No way to tell until we can get him into the arena,” Andrew said.
“Ooh, could I ride in the arena?” Sophie asked hopefully.
“Nice try.” Jamie shook his head. “Until we locate and eliminate the threat, you’re housebound.”
Stroking Samson’s cheeks, she pulled his head toward her and kissed his muzzle. “Sorry, boy. I’ll ride you soon. I promise.”
“Time to get back, Ten-Cow.” Jamie stood outside Samson’s stall.
She reluctantly led Samson back to his stall, gave him some sugar, and then followed the men out of the barn. No one was around when they got back to the house, so Andrew said goodnight and left for home Sophie followed Jamie up the stairs to their room. Once Jamie closed and locked the door, Sophie wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Jamie slipped her hair off her forehead. “What was that for?”
“Just because.” She settled her hands on the waistband of his pants.
“I thought you were sick.”
“Let me show you how untrue that statement is.”
Jamie chuckled and carried her to the bed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Clayton Madden arrived at his brother’s home just before noon the next day. Jamie knew Sophie wasn’t happy when he left her at the Wades’ to meet with Clayton. She never wanted to be out of the action, but she conceded that he was doing it for her own good, so he kissed her and made hi
s way next door to the Madden’s home, confident she would stay put.
Clayton surprised Jamie, who expected him to be much like his brother. When he walked into Richard’s office at the back of the house, he figured his shock showed on his face as the tall, blond man stood and held his hand out in greeting.
“Jamie, this is Clayton. Clayton, Jamie,” Andrew said.
“Nice to meet you, Clayton.”
“You, too.” Clayton indicated one of the chairs. “Please, have a seat.”
Clayton didn’t look much like his brother, other than height and build. Clayton reminded Jamie of blond Orlando Bloom with a soul patch. His hair was longer than Richard’s, much lighter, and where Richard’s features had a coldness about them, Clayton appeared friendly. Jamie sat in the chair next to Andrew, facing Clayton, and the men began to strategize.
The meeting took over an hour. Jamie had to admit he enjoyed both men’s conversation, which might have been why he didn’t leave earlier. Clayton’s sense of humor, although subtle, was almost as wicked as Andrew’s, and the three of them spent less time coming up with a game plan for the prisoner than laughing about various anecdotes.
After leaving the meeting to make his way back to Sophie, Jamie let himself into the house and went looking for his wife. He found her asleep on the parlor sofa. He stood and watched her for several minutes, amazed that he had been blessed all over again. He knelt next to her and kissed her forehead, her nose, her lips. It didn’t take long for her to wake up and start to kiss him back.
“Where have you been?”
“It took a little longer than expected.”
Sophie sat up and stifled a yawn. “Did it go well?”
Jamie pulled her off the couch and cupped her cheek. “Very well. You look tired, baby. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine now that you’re back.”
Jamie narrowed his eyes in disbelief, but changed the subject anyway. “Andrew, Clayton, and Richard are joining us for dinner tonight and it’s almost ready. Shall I escort you?”
Sophie nodded and her eyes filled with tears.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. I’m just so glad you’re here.”
Jamie gave a quiet laugh as he pulled her into his arms and held her. “You are so emotional today. You’re not still PMSing are you?”
Sophie shrugged. “Probably.”
“Well, let’s have some dinner and wine. You’ll feel better once you eat.”
Sophie let him lead her into the dining room and had the chance to meet Clayton. Christine was right in her judgment of him. He was nothing like his brother, his southern charm unmatched, and his kindness evident in his treatment of Nona.
Dinner passed quickly, and rather than everyone hanging out after the meal, they seemed to scatter to the four corners of the earth. Before retiring, Michael pulled Jamie aside. “James, I’d like to have a word with you tomorrow if you don’t mind. Would you come to my office before breakfast please?”
“Of course.”
Jamie looked at Sophie and shrugged at her raised eyebrow.
“Good night, you two. Enjoy the rest of the evening.” Michael and Nona went off to bed, leaving Jamie and Sophie to their own devices, so they chose to spend some time in the library.
Jamie pulled Sophie onto his lap and kissed her.
“We need to talk about what we’re going to do once we’re married. Where will we live, what will we do for work? Can you stay with the army and actually make a living?”
Jamie chuckled. “One question at a time, love.”
Sophie growled.
“I see your wheels turning, Ten-Cow. Let’s not borrow trouble, all right?”
“Jamie, we’re in a strange place in a strange time. I don’t know how any of our skills will translate to the nineteenth century. We’re really good at a few specific things, namely computers, which don’t exist here. It’s not like I can go into human resources when no one has ever heard of it. You don’t have the Internet to tap in this century, so what are we going to do?”
Jamie raised his hands in surrender. “Sophie, stop. I’ll talk to Andrew tomorrow about options. Christine would be a great resource for you, especially considering she knows the whole truth. She’s smart, honey, I know she’ll have some great ideas.”
“Despite your irritating logic, I can’t help but be worried. You have always been the glass half full guy.”
Jamie laughed. “Sophie Jane. You were dying and God made you whole in an entirely different century. Then, He made it so I joined you, and you’re worried about a little thing like money? You don’t think He’s going to take care of us?”
Sophie sighed. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Of course I’m right.” He kissed her nose. “I’m always right. Now, let’s go to bed and concentrate on other, much more pleasant things.”
* * *
Before breakfast the next morning, Jamie went to Michael’s office. “You wanted to see me, Michael?”
“James. Good morning. Yes, please sit down.” Michael indicated a chair.
Jamie entered the room and sat in one of the chairs facing Michael’s desk.
“As you may or may not be aware, I have plans to sell off a portion of my property to the east of the lake. I have always felt the land we have now is too much to take care of, and I’d like to offer you the option to purchase that section of forty acres. I’ll give you a fair price, and we can work out payment details that will work for you.”
Jamie’s eyebrows went up in shock. “Thank you, Michael. I’ll definitely speak with Sophie about this, and let you know quickly.”
“Now, I have one other request. You have been instrumental in the training of the men, and Nona and I’d greatly appreciate it if you and Sophie would live in our home for as long as it takes to build yours.”
Jamie took a moment to breathe. “Michael, this is very generous of you.”
“Nonsense, you would be doing us a great service. When we built our home, we thought it would be filled with family, however, the war and life have changed things slightly, and Nona and I feel as though we’re rattling around in wasted space. We have both come to view you and Sophie as our family and would very much enjoy the company.”
“Are you sure, Michael?”
The doctor laughed and rose to his feet. “I promised Nona that I’d somehow convince you, and she will not be happy if I come back with a ‘no.’”
Jamie stood and shook Michael’s hand, suddenly at a loss for words. They walked together down to the dining room and found the ladies waiting for them. Once the meal was over and the rest of the group dispersed for their various duties, Jamie pulled Sophie into the library.
“What?” Sophie whispered.
“You are never going to guess.” Jamie relayed the conversation with Michael.
“What does this mean, Jamie?”
“It means, my sweet pessimist, that apparently God has plans for us. So, do I accept?”
“Well, gee, Jamie, I don’t know. What do you think?”
Jamie chuckled as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her breathless.
* * *
The next few days were a blur of Nona and party planning. Sophie felt as though she’d worn a hole in every carpet in the house with the amount of pacing she’d done in an effort to stop herself from pulling her hair out. She wasn’t allowed to lift a finger and it drove Sophie nuts. Waking on the morning of her “reunion, slash, engagement” party to an empty bed, she punched the pillow in frustration.
I don’t even have my husband to distract me, today.
She sat up and noticed several boxes neatly stacked in the corner of her room. Climbing out of bed, she made her way to the pile and knelt down to investigate. Before she could open the first box, a knock sounded on her door. “Come in.”
“Good morning.” Christine poked her head in.
“Hey there, what are you doing here so early?”
“Early? Have you for
gotten how long it takes to wash your hair?”
Sophie laughed. “Good point.”
Christine laid a large box on Sophie’s bed. “Betty is arranging baths for both of us.”
Sophie leaned over to investigate the delivery. “What’s this?”
“Have a look.” Christine stepped away from the bed.
Sophie opened the box, and inside was yet another exquisite gown. Ivory chiffon with tiny green flowers embroidered into the fabric. Sophie lifted it out and let out a quiet whistle. “You guys are spoiling me.” She hugged Christine. “Thank you.”
“I can’t take the credit.”
“You can’t?”
Christine shook her head. “Read the card.”
Sophie located the card just as Betty came in with a few of the male staff carrying the large copper tub. Christine directed the filling of the bath and then left her alone to read her letter.
Christine returned to find Sophie in tears on the edge of her bed. “Sophie, what’s amiss?”
“I’m just married to the most amazing man.”
Christine smiled. “In that case, are you ready for your bath?”
After her bath, Sophie let Christine assist her with her hair before leaving her again to get ready next door. Sophie worried she would be late to her own party, but no one else seemed concerned, so she tried her best to relax. Her stomach clenched with nervousness, and she felt a little under the weather.
Christine returned to help with her corset, and then Sophie stepped into the hoops, petticoats, and finally her gown. Sophie put the finishing touches on her hair, leaving it to hang in flowing waves. Just the way Jamie liked it.
Christine gave her shoulder a squeeze. “You look beautiful.”
Sophie looked in the mirror and felt her heart swell as she stared at the gown that was almost identical to the one she used to wear for reenactments. Sophie ran her hands over the fabric and sighed. Jamie remembered every detail, down to the size of the flowers, and the feeling of the overlay. Once Christine’s hair was styled, the girls made their way downstairs. Jamie paced the foyer, his hands shoved deep in his pockets.
“Jamie? What’s wrong?” Sophie reached for his hand.
The Bride Price Page 28